1961 Pontiac Catalina Convertible

Semon 'Bunkie' Knudsen, who was appointed Pontiac's general manager in 1956, along with engineers Pete Estes and John DeLorean, were given a clear mandate to either 'fix or kill off' the stodgy GM division. They immediately transformed Pontiac into a Paragon for America's fast-growing and speed-hungry market. Pontiac rose to third place in American sales standings by 1962, a position it would hold until 1969.

Success would follow in NASCAR and drag racing, as the AMA's self-imposed, loophole-ridden racing ban of 1957 was defiantly ignored.

The American public was treated to such legendary vehicles as the 1957 Bonneville convertible and 1959 'Wide Track' models. The 'Wide Track' models featured a perimeter frame and all-new bodywork designed by Jack Humbert. They offered class-leading handling and road manners, along with outstanding performance across four series.

The full-size Catalina Super Stock drag racing cars proved to be very competitive cars in late 1961, powered by the 368 horsepower Super Duty 389 V8 engine. While initially dealer-installed, the SD 389 and the later SD 421 became factory options for 1962 in line with new NHRA requirements, making it possible for buyers to buy a race-ready car right off the showroom floor!

The Pontiac Catalina Convertible was 100 pounds lighter than its larger Bonneville cousin. A total of 12,379 Catalina Convertibles were made. This particular example spent much of its life in Arizona. It has been given a restoration and finished in Mayan Gold exterior with Morrokide upholstery and brown Stayfast top. It is equipped with Super Hydra-Matic transmission, power steering and brakes, a Circ-L-Aire heater, and Super Deluxe radio with manual antenna and rear speaker. During restoration, the engine was upgraded to the 'Tri-Power' specification using a correct triple two-barrel carburetor installation, as was a popular dealer-installed option on the 389 in-period.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2016